The various branches of the Taylor and Savage families have certainly left their mark on the retailing history of Swords. At one time, they had both a drapiery and a much-loved (and missed!) hardware shop on Main St. This latter shop began trading in 1984, continuing until it closed its doors in December 2008.

At its peak, it employed 12 staff, 8 full-time and 4 part-time. The ostensible reason given for its closure was high local rates, but widespread recession loomed in Ireland then, a challenging time for all local businesses.

Christy Russell, of that famous Lusk family was one person left jobless as a result. Christy, as we all know, has had many setbacks in his life, but he’s still a stalwart of the Lusk Pipe Band, with its many medals and achievements. Good on you Christy and on all the members of this illustrious band,
keeping the fine musical tradition of Fingal alive and thriving!

For couples trying to conceive, male fertility plays an equally important role as female fertility, yet it is often overlooked. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has addressed male reproductive health for thousands of years, and modern research is beginning to support what practitioners have long observed: Chinese medicine may offer meaningful support for men experiencing fertility challenges. TCM views male fertility as a reflection of overall health and energy balance. It emphasises “Kidney essence” – your body’s core life force that supports sperm production, stamina, and reproduction. When this essence, or energies such as Qi (vital energy) and Yin–Yang (cooling–warming balance), become imbalanced, it may contribute to low sperm count, reduced movement, or abnormal sperm shapes.

Acupuncture benefits

Very fine needles are placed at specific points, often around the lower back or abdomen, to help improve blood flow, reduce stress, and support hormone balance. Gentle warming with moxa (a burning herbal preparation held near the skin) can be used when additional warmth is needed. A short course of around 6–10 sessions is often used to support sperm quality, particularly where stress is thought to be a contributing factor. Vitamin support for wellbeing General wellbeing supplements can complement TCM by nourishing the body. Vitamin C (from citrus fruits or supplements) acts as an antioxidant and helps protect sperm from damage. Vitamin E (found in nuts or supplements) supports sperm membrane health. Zinc (in foods such as oysters and seeds) is important for testosterone and semen production, while folate (in leafy greens) supports healthy DNA. A daily multivitamin that includes these nutrients may help support energy and protect against oxidative stress. Always discuss supplements with your doctor, especially if you are on medication.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help reduce stress and address subconscious blocks that may affect fertility. Sessions often include deep breathing and positive suggestions to support blood flow to the reproductive organs, reduce performance anxiety, and build confidence around conception. Listening to a 15–20 minute audio recording regularly can support a calmer mind and more positive outlook. Some men also report better emotional balance and improved communication with their partner when combining hypnosis with TCM.

Daily tips

Choose warm, cooked foods such as ginger, walnuts, and lamb. Limit very cold drinks and frequent raw salads, which in TCM are thought to weaken digestive energy. Reduce alcohol and avoid smoking. Practise gentle movement such as Qi Gong or walking to relieve stress. Prioritise regular, good-quality sleep to support recovery and hormone balance. TCM aims to address underlying imbalances rather than just symptoms, which is why many people use it as part of a longer-term approach to reproductive health and general wellness.

Male Fertility A complementary approach

Chinese medicine can work alongside conventional fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI, and many people use it as a complementary therapy. While it is not a guaranteed solution, it may offer a natural, generally low risk way to support male reproductive health and improve the overall chances of conception. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner and also speak with your doctor or fertility specialist before starting any new treatment.

In Wellness Susan

susangrahamcoaching@gmail.com

With the kids off school, here are some ideas for fun days out. Malahide Castle & Gardens is hosting some fab events this Easter. They got a Wicked Easter and KPop Demon Hunters events. Plenty there to keep the kids happy and while they’re singing and dancing, it gives you a little time for a walk around the gorgeous grounds and a coffee in the fab café.

April is a funny month weather-wise, fluctuating between warm and chilly making it the perfect time for transitional clothing that works in changeable weather. We came across Irish brand, Circle Edge Athleisure Wear and it is perfect for this time of year. As well as cool hoodies and leggings - ideal for busy Mammies on the go - they also have stylish half-zip tops with matching wide leg trousers. And for underneath, a cool vest which can be worn two ways. Great design, comfortable fabrics and they do offers too, so you can nab the half-zip top, vest top and wide leg pants altogether in a set. They look super stylish, breathable and comfortable.

And to make sure you are as comfy as can be while running around after the kiddies, we are championing cool underwear brand Lemonade Dolls. A range of underwear for woman of all shapes and sizes, in soft yet supportive fabrics, in a beautiful selection of colours. Best of all, they’re underwire free. Finding a supportive bra that looks good, feels good, offers proper support and does not have underwire is not easy! An absolute hero product range in our opinion. See https://lemonadedolls.com/

As the weather changes, bugs and viruses thrive and it’s good to take nutrient packed supplements. We’re big fans of Irish brand Sentro Labs. As well as supplements for gut health, they have products to help with hormone balance and a Sleep support set, which we have been testing out and find great. See their range and value bundles here https://www.sentrolabs.com/

Skypark Carlingford is back open and is a brilliant day out for all the family. Zip wires, physical challenges and cool team building games, make it really fun to visit as a family or group of friends. I still brag about doing the biggest zip wire there – yes, I screamed the whole way through but I still did it! Enter our Skypark giveaway on mams.ie and our socials FB/Insta.

By Jack Shanley

It is rare for a film to make you laugh out loud and break your heart in the same scene, but I Swear manages both with remarkable grace. Directed by Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee), this biopic tells the true story of John Davidson, a Scotsman who became a famous advocate for Tourette Syndrome.

The film follows John’s journey from a confused teenager in the 1980s—played with painful vulnerability by newcomer Scott Ellis Watson—to an adult (Robert Aramayo) navigating a world that often mistakes his neurological condition for bad behaviour. Robert Aramayo, best known for The Rings of Power, delivers a career-defining performance. Playing a character with Tourette’s is a high-wire act; it can easily slip into caricature. However, Aramayo portrays the physical tics with a restless, exhausting accuracy while never losing sight of the gentle, funny man underneath.

He is supported by a stellar British cast. Maxine Peake is wonderful as Dottie, the nurse who finally gives John the acceptance he craves, while Peter Mullan provides a gruff but deeply moving performance as a community centre caretaker who treats John like a human being rather than a problem to be solved. The movie doesn’t shy away from the “potty-mouthed” reality of the condition, leading to some genuinely hilarious moments of social awkwardness.

However, I Swear balances the comedy with the darker side of John’s life: the schoolyard bullying, the family tension, and the physical danger of being misunderstood by strangers. It effectively highlights that the biggest challenge isn’t the Tourette’s itself, but the public’s lack of understanding. While it follows the traditional “underdog” biopic formula, I Swear feels fresh because of its raw honesty and immense heart. It is a “feel-good” movie that earns its emotion.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘I Swear’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Four ½ stars. You can watch it on Netflix today. Director: Kirk Jones – Rating: 15A – Genre: Narrative – Run Time: 2h 1m Language: English. For more film content please follow @screen_.addicts on Instagram.

By Dave Kavanagh

“Let’s go for a drink?”, “How about a nice meal out?”, “Shall we book a nice holiday?”, “How about an afternoon shopping?”, all questions that are (usually!) met with a positive response. “Shall we have a look through our finances and plans that we have in place?”, not usually met with the same enthusiasm or joy! For many reasons, people put off or avoid having to go through an exercise such as this, despite the fact that it can lead to them spending less and having more money left over each month! So, what excuses do they present to avoid this not-so-desirable activity and what are they really saying? Let’s have a look:
“I’ll have a look at that after Christmas”. This is sometimes replaced with “after Easter”, “after the holidays”, “after the kids go back to school” and a host of others. This is a bit like the “I’ll start the diet next Monday”. What you are actually saying is “I’ll name some time in the future, so I don’t have to face up to it or think about it now”. Let’s face it, you can make time to spend 30-60 minutes even once per year to look at something this important. Every year will have Christmas, summer time, back to school time, etc. Once you do, you’ll be glad that you did. “Our bank has sorted all that out for us”. Your bank may have sorted a few things for you but in most cases, banks are tied to one company’s products which means a fair comparison cannot be done and you may be overpaying. Dealing with an advisor who is not tied to one company and can compare other options is the only way to make sure you are getting the best value for money. “I’m busy at the moment, I’ll give you a shout in a few months”. Let’s face it, going through your finances is rarely on anyone’s favourite activity list. But the fact remains, if there is an activity you like, you can make time for it. Burying your head in the sand is rarely a successful solution to most problems!

If you have time to binge a box set, you have plenty of time for your finances.

Dave Kavanagh QFA has been advising people financially for over 25 years. For quotes or information (with no cost or obligation) he can be contacted by emailing info@financialcompanion.ie or use the contact form on www.financialcompanion.ie or @Davekav_advice on Twitter and Instagram. Combined with his previous role of gym/nutrition adviser, he regularly gives talks and workshops at seminars and events for groups, companies and government departments on financial wellbeing, positivity and motivation. As heard on RTE 2FM, LMFM and TV3.

By Jack Shanley

If you walked into the theatre expecting a polite, tea-sipping period drama, you clearly haven’t seen an Emerald Fennell movie before. The director behind Saltburn has taken Emily Brontë’s 1847 classic and turned it into a neon-soaked, gothic fever dream that is as much a fashion shoot as it is a tragedy.

The 2026 adaptation of ‘Wuthering Heights’ ditches the dusty reputation of the novel for something far more visceral. Margot Robbie stars as Catherine Earnshaw, playing her not as a delicate heroine, but as a bored, selfish, and deeply magnetic force of nature. Opposite her is Jacob Elordi as Heathcliff. While his casting caused a stir online regarding the character’s heritage, Elordi leans into a “brooding rockstar” energy that makes his destructive obsession with Cathy feel dangerously modern.

The plot sticks to the first half of the book, focusing entirely on the toxic pull between the two leads. We see them grow from feral children into adults who are clearly wrong for each other but unable to stay away. When Cathy marries the wealthy, stable Edgar Linton (Shazad Latif), the film shifts from a romance into a full-blown revenge thriller.

What really grabbed my attention was how beautifully crafted and visually stunning the film was. It’s a masterclass in visual storytelling, transforming the rugged Yorkshire moors into a living, breathing character. Every frame feels like a carefully composed painting, utilizing natural light to capture the haunting contrast between the cozy, flickering warmth of the Grange and the raw, wind-swept desolation of the Heights. The cinematography by Linus Sandgren doesn’t just show the landscape; it makes you feel the grit of the earth and the chill of the mist, perfectly mirroring the turbulent emotions of the story. From the intricate, period-accurate textures of the costumes to the sweeping aerial shots of the highlands, the film is a breathtaking visual experience that stays with you long after the screen the film ends.

In all truth I’d recommend checking out ‘Wuthering Heights’ and see what you think of it, I shall give it a score of Three Stars. You can watch it at your local cinema today but would recommend seeing it in IMAX. Director: Emerald Fennell – Rating: 15A – Genre: Romance – Run Time: 2h 16m Language: English. For more film content please follow @movies4fanatics on Instagram.

Female fertility in Chinese Medicine is seen as part of the whole person – body, mind and spirit working together to create the right conditions for conception. Instead of focusing only on ovaries, hormones and test results, it looks at overall balance and the smooth flow of energy in the body. Key Chinese Medicine ideas - Qi (vital energy) and Blood need to flow smoothly to the uterus and ovaries for regular cycles and healthy ovulation. If they are weak or blocked, periods, ovulation and fertility can be affected. - Yin and Yang describe cooling/nourishing and warming/active forces; both must be in balance for ovulation, implantation and a healthy womb lining.

The Kidney system is seen as the root of fertility, linked to hormones, egg quality and the “Jing” or essence you are born with. As you age or become very stressed or depleted, this essence can weaken, so treatment aims to protect and strengthen it. Holistic treatment methods - Acupuncture uses very fine needles at specific points to improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulate cycles and calm the nervous system, which may support implantation and reduce stress. - Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed according to your individual pattern (for example, Blood deficiency, Kidney weakness or Qi stagnation) and may help regulate ovulation, improve cervical mucus and support a healthy uterine lining. - Food is treated as medicine: warm, cooked meals, good-quality protein and avoiding excess cold and raw foods are often advised to “nourish Blood” and support the digestive system that produces Qi. Lifestyle and emotional balance.

Restful sleep, gentle regular exercise and regular meals are encouraged to build energy and support hormonal balance. - Managing emotions is seen as vital, because worry, grief and frustration can disrupt the Liver system, which in turn can disturb periods and ovulation. - Many practitioners suggest preparing the body for at least three months before trying to conceive, allowing time to regulate cycles and strengthen overall health. Working alongside Western care - Chinese Medicine can be used on its own or alongside fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI to improve comfort, reduce stress and support cycle regulation. - From a holistic perspective, the goal is not just pregnancy, but helping you feel more balanced, energised and emotionally supported throughout your fertility journey.

TCM dietary guidelines for fertility support Core principles - Favour warm, cooked foods (soups, stews, porridges, stir-fries) to support digestion and “Spleen Qi,” which is seen as key for making Blood and energy for the reproductive system. - Eat regularly and avoid skipping meals so your body has steady fuel to nourish hormones and cycles. - Aim for mostly whole, unprocessed foods – fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, good-quality proteins and healthy fats.

Foods to emphasise - Blood- and Qi-nourishing foods: lean red meat, eggs, dark leafy greens, beetroot, beans, lentils and whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa) to help build Blood and energy for the uterus and ovaries. - Kidney- and Jing-supporting foods: black beans, walnuts, sesame seeds, bone broth, small oily fish, shellfish and seaweed to support the Kidney system linked to fertility and egg quality. - Warm, grounding foods: root vegetables (carrots, sweet potato, squash) lightly spiced with ginger, cinnamon or garlic are thought to warm the womb and improve circulation. - Plenty of fibre from vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains to help clear excess hormones and support a healthy weight.

Foods and habits to limit - Excess cold and raw foods (large salads, iced drinks, cold smoothies), which are believed to introduce “cold” to the uterus and weaken digestion. - Very greasy, fried, heavily processed foods and high sugar intake, which can create “dampness” and may affect hormones and weight. - Large predatory fish high in mercury (such as frequent tuna or swordfish), due to possible negative effects on reproductive health. - Too much caffeine and alcohol, which may deplete Yin and Blood and increase internal heat or stress for some people. Lastly practical tips - Build meals around a warm base: soup, congee, stew or a stir-fry with vegetables and protein. - Include healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds) at most meals to support hormones. - Eat mindfully: chew well, sit down to eat and avoid multitasking, as relaxed digestion is believed to help your body absorb more nourishment for fertility.

Next Issue: How Chinese Medicine can help Male Fertility issues

In Wellness Susan

susangrahamcoaching@gmail.com

There is a unique rhythm returning to the streets of Balbriggan this March. The Fingal International Festival of Voices (FIFOV) is back from March 5th to 8th, and while the world-class choirs are traveling from as far as the US and Europe, the heart of the festival remains firmly rooted in our local community.
Whether you are a lifelong choral fan or just looking for a great family day out, this year’s line-up offers more ways than ever to get involved—without breaking the bank18.

In a time when event tickets can be a major expense, the festival is offering free entry to all competitions. All daytime choral competitions are free for the public to attend. This means you can walk into the award-winning Lark Concert Hall or the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS), St. Peter and Paul’s Church (home to Harry Clarke windows) or in pop businesses around the town and hear elite international choirs, barbershop quartets, and sacred music ensembles at no cost. It is a rare opportunity to experience a “Feis” atmosphere with a global twist right on your doorstep.

Meet the Global Choirs
Balbriggan will play host to a diverse array of voices from across the Atlantic and Europe. Locals will have the chance to hear:

The Holy Cross Choir (Massachusetts, USA): Bringing the prestigious Ivy League-style choral tradition to North County Dublin.
Chester River Chorale (Maryland, USA): A massive 60 voice ensemble showcasing a rich tapestry of American folk and gospel.
Gospodnetič Singers (Croatia): Bringing the hauntingly beautiful and rhythmic traditions of the Adriatic coast.
European School Brussels 1 (Belgium): A vibrant youth choir representing the multicultural heart of Europe.
These groups will join top-tier choirs from all over Ireland, creating a global soundscape right here in Fingal.

Learn from a Disney Legend and others.

Perhaps the most exciting news for local families and aspiring singers is the arrival of Tove Ramlo-Ystad. Hailing from Norway, Tove is the world-renowned conductor of the choir “Cantus,” famous for providing the iconic, ethereal vocals in the opening of Disney’s FROZEN.

Tove is part of an elite panel of adjudicators from Norway, the UK, the US, the Netherlands, and Ireland. Across the weekend, these experts won’t just be judging competitions; they will be leading free workshops open to anyone with an interest in singing. Whether you’re a shower-singer or a seasoned pro, you can learn directly from the woman who helped shape the sound of one of the biggest movies of all time.

Learn from the Best: Free Workshops
The festival is offering workshops and classes led by international guests. These sessions are designed to be inclusive, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned singers. Topics often include:
Music of Sami People & Norway (Tove Ramlo-Ystad)

Learn to sing to barbershop style
Local health and “healthy singing” techniques.

Irish Traditional music workshops
Check out our full schedule on www.fingalfestivalofvoices.com or on our instagram @fingalfestivalofvoices

If you are interested in volunteering we’d love to have you - email: manager@fingalfestivalofvoices.com with the subject title Volunteer!

Thank you to our supporters and sponsors - Irish Media Group, Fingal County Council, Our Balbriggan, The Irish Institute of Music and Song, Lark Concert Hall, St. Peter and Paul’s Church

By Dave Kavanagh

In a week where I have arranged pay out of another Serious Illness Cover claim, many people are in the “it’ll never happen to me” group, when it comes to planning for events that could potentially impact finances. Let’s face it, nobody wants to think that anything “bad” will happen to them but the reality is, bad things happen whether we like it or not. The three areas most relevant are, Life Cover, Serious Illness Cover and Income Protection. Of course, we would hope that we are not going to die prematurely, we are not going to get seriously ill and accident or illness will not prevent us from being able to work. Sadly, in this small country of ours, about 6,000 people die each year NOT of natural causes (under age 65), over 43,000 new cancer cases every year (the cause of more than 50% of Serious Illness claims) and the average time off work for an income protection claim is close to 5 years! When I do group talks, I often ask the question whether anyone’s close family or friends have been affected by cancer? I have only ever had one person say “no”. When I ask whether the same close family or friends have ever won the lotto jackpot, not surprisingly, it’s (almost) always “no”. Yet with odds of 10.7 million to 1 to win the lotto jackpot, people spend a relatively large amount of money each week on lotto (and Euromillions and scratch cards etc.) believing and hoping that it will happen to them. The same people have a 1 in 4 chance of being diagnosed with one of the Serious Illnesses covered BEFORE they are 65.

I often see that people have their cars insured, house insured, pets, mobile phones, lap tops and jewellery insured but not themselves! It’s not until one of these events happens that people appreciate the financial loss that is suffered. An important detail is that even if people have cover in place from a few years back, they could well be paying over the odds premium wise or it may no longer be most appropriate. Take the time to check what is most appropriate for your specific circumstances.

“The daffodils are up, the days are getting longer and spring is finally in the air. March is a time for getting out and about again and, very importantly, celebrating the Mammies, Grannies, Mothers-in-law, Step-mums, Aunties and all the wonderful Mother figures in our lives. If you would like to treat a special Mam, here are some of our favourite gift ideas……

You can personalise a gift for her from Wanapix.ie and use code MAMSWANAPIX26 for 10% discount. You can personalise gorgeous tote bags, blankets, makeup bags, calendars, frosted glasses, t-shirts, aprons, goodies & lots more. Delivery is fast and the quality is superb. Mammies (me included) love their products!

Bracken Court Hotel does a gorgeously decadent Afternoon Tea. We treated our Mam to this recently, with Prosecco, and it was so lovely. Their Sunday roasts are also delicious if you want to treat her to dinner on March 15th.

National Concert Hall has great shows and concerts coming up, their gift vouchers are a great gift idea.
Droichead Arts Centre has some wonderful events coming up, perfect for treating Mam to a night out.
If she likes coffee, Irish brand Artessa Coffee has fab coffee fusions and keep cups. Their bamboo keep cup is brilliant.

Cocoa Brown products make fab gifts - its a glow up in a bottle!

Another Irish brand we love is SoSu, their makeup sets and snazzy nail polishes are stunning.
For beautiful Mothers Day gifts with free gift wrapping, Design Gallery Drogheda is well worth a visit.
A spa trip to Farnham is a gift any Mammy would love; their heated outdoor pool is stunning.
Flormar makeup is affordable and really nice, great for anyone on a budget.

Willow & Wisp Flowers make beautiful wreaths and hand tied bouquets, plus a wide collection of locally made gifts.

Freddy jeans are a firm favourite with mams.ie members and followers. Super comfy and so flattering. See our Freddy.ie competition on mams.ie

And keep an eye on mams.ie & our socials @mams.ireland on FB and @mams.ie on Instagram for more Mother’s Day ideas and competitions!”